Kern County Zoning Code § 19.08.210 limits fences in residential (E and R) districts to 4 ft in front yards and 6 ft in side and rear yards. Through-lot rear fences within the rear 25 ft are capped at 4 ft. Barbed wire is restricted near lot lines. Cal. Civ Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs cost-sharing.
Under Kern County Code § 19.08.210 (Fences, walls and hedges), in the E (1/4), E (1/2), E (1), E (2-1/2), R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts, no fence, wall, or hedge in the required front yard may exceed 4 feet, and rear/side yard fences may not exceed 6 feet. Through-lot rear fences within 25 feet of the rear line are capped at 4 feet. Barbed wire is prohibited along front, side, or rear lot lines, or within 3 feet of those lines, and sharp points cannot project from the top of any fence under 6 feet. The director may approve higher fences as a discretionary permit condition. Cal. Civ Code §841 splits cost equally between adjoining landowners absent a different agreement; written 30-day notice is required.
Zoning violations are misdemeanors under Kern County Code § 19.106.020, punishable by up to $1,000 fine and/or 6 months jail. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Civil abatement is also available.
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code Chapter 8.36 (Noise Control) governs unincorporated areas. § 8.36.020 prohibits construction noise audible at 150 feet between 9:00 p.m. and...
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code § 7.08.150 (Dogs at large prohibited—Confinement) requires dogs to be leashed and under handler control or confined when on public property ...
Kern County, CA
Kern County permits state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks (HSC §12529) in most unincorporated valley and desert areas during a tightly defined July 4 and ...
Kern County, CA
Kern County Code Chapter 19.82 (Off-Street Parking) sets minimum parking for residential uses in unincorporated areas; STRs follow the dwelling-unit parking ...
Kern County, CA
Unincorporated Kern County has no published numeric occupancy cap specific to short-term rentals; STRs operate under general residential zoning in Title 19 a...
Kern County, CA
Unincorporated Kern County levies a 6% Transient Occupancy Tax under Code Chapter 4.16, authorized by California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7280. Oper...
See how Kern County's height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.